Barzagli: Ready to start again!

Juve's rock at the back is ready and raring to start a crucial second half

The long fortnight of the winter break is almost over as Juve battles Genoa at the Allianz Stadium on Monday night ready to stake their claim on the top spot in Serie A.

"It's never easy to resume things after a couple weeks," said Andrea Barzagli in an exclusive interview with Sky Sport. "We have to approach the game well. Regardless of what Napoli does against Atalanta in Bergamo, it's fundamental for us to win because we are playing at home."

However, after a marathon run through November and December that saw Juventus hit their best form of the season, a break was well-deserved.

"The group is great. We were able to turn off a little bit which is important because we've already been through six challenging months and now we have an all-important second half of the season that sees us still battling for all of our goals. We are loaded and ready to start again!"

The Bianconeri return to Serie A as the top scoring team in the league while the defense has returned to suffocating form with just one goal allowed through the entire holiday period.

"The offensive potential of this team has been great now for many years and maybe it's a coincidence that this year we have scored so many goals but certainly team balance is always important. You need to have a good attack but also obviously be balanced with a good defense."

For Barzagli, the last matches have seen a 4-3-3 tested by Massimiliano Allegri which has seen Barzagli take on a role at right back.

"In a player's career, adapting to new roles is always a good thing and it has been for me," said Barzagli. "I'll always make myself available wherever I'm needed like everyone in the group does. That's one of the keys to a squad performing well."

A contract renewal has been possibly on the cards for Barzagli to stay in Bianconero past this season.

"I hope to renew. I've talked a few days ago with the team and the Director and I think there is, from everyone, the desire to continue. Nothing is final but we are well on our way."

We're nearing the seven-year anniversary of Barzagli joining the Bianconeri, a moment that will always be special for him.

"I arrived at a tough time for the club but when I got to Vinovo and saw all the trophies won and saw the importance of the club, it left an immediate impression on me," said Barzagli. "Shortly after that, we opened the new stadium which showed everyone the meaning of Juventus and from there a new era has started which is going very well."

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